lying about dogs on application - what to do?

[Deborah R.]

Hi, I'm new to managing our property ourselves.  We were about to accept this couple who said they have one beagle when I checked her public facebook page.  It looks very much like they have 3 dogs - a beagle, and two others that are at least part pit bull.    What should I do?  Pit bulls aren't allowed per our insurance policy.  

[Mitch Messer]

Hi @Deborah R.. My specific recommendation is to check with their existing landlord and then contact the applicants with your findings and get clarification about the number and breed of dogs.

My general recommendation is for your lease to contain an Accuracy Clause like ours does:

"Management has relied upon the information contained in Resident's application to enter into this Agreement. Resident warrants that their rental application is true, complete and accurate. Resident agrees that if he/she has falsified any statement in the rental application, Management has the right to terminate this Agreement immediately and further agrees that Management shall be entitled to retain any performance fee and any prepaid rents as fair and just liquidated damages."

To be clear, I'm not an attorney and I'm not giving you legal advice: Just sharing what we do.